Welcome to Peak District Life

We aren’t always good at patting ourselves on the back, but honestly, what is there not to like about the Peak District?

It’s five years since we published a separate Peak District Life magazine and in that time a lot has remained the same – the countryside is still glorious, the people are friendly and welcoming, the history and heritage are fascinating and there are endless events to enjoy, which often involve indulging our passion for sampling wholesome locally produced food and drink.

Changes in the national economy and the country as a whole in the last five years, however, have seen a need to adapt to the changing times, something which has been taken on board in this area with plenty of new ideas and enterprising initiatives as well as the expected grit and humour.

As opposed to creating a trendy ‘bucket list’ of countries to visit, these days I seem to be crossing off those where I’ve no desire to venture, but I can’t find any reasons why people wouldn’t want to visit the Peak District. At a time of year when the countryside is often at its loveliest, this supplement offers a snapshot of what’s special about the Peak.

There’s a brief tour of some of its unique villages, a diary of this summer’s highlights, and a selection of favourite tea rooms, country pubs and local produce. On the art front Swedish-born Ingrid Karlsson-Kemp’s latest exhibition shows how the Peak District has become her ‘home from home’. Highlighting local producers, there’s a visit to Stanedge Grange, and the Peak’s place as a much-loved escape from urban life is acknowledged with a look back at the ‘Forgotten Trespass’.

Of course, for anything to continue it needs support and whether this means shopping locally, attending an event or visiting a much-loved house, museumor

garden, it all helps to protect and improve this very special place. Whether you’re a chance visitor or you live here, we hope you enjoy this extra glimpse of life in the Peak District. Is there any better place to be?

Joy Hales, Editor